Former Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors, Senyo Hosi, has described the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) as a constitutional necessity, warning that calls for its abolition would undermine Ghana’s fight against corruption and erode public trust in democracy.
Speaking on Joy News’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, Mr Hosi said:
“The OSP is not a luxury; it is a constitutional necessity and a response to all of us, our agitation for a just and fair society. Corruption has been at the heart of the dwindling confidence in democracy.”
He cautioned that public confidence in governance has been declining over the years and urged careful consideration before advocating for the repeal of the office:
“We mustn’t forget that year after year, when we review these matters, confidence in democracy seems to be dipping. That is why the likes of our neighbours up north will come and visit, and then there is a rapturous excitement. We must be careful about what we are doing. So today, for us to start asking for a repeal is actually a retreat in this fight against corruption.”
Mr. Hosi also questioned the motivations behind calls for abolition, pointing out that those raising objections are often potential targets of the OSP’s work:
“But furthermore, you look into it and ask who is actually shouting and saying that we should repeal this. Are they not often the same people who are likely targets or the same culprits who breach our constitution, for which the OSP will now have to exercise its power to recover sums and ensure proper accountability, as captured in our constitution? So the potential targets, for whom corruption is a problem, are the ones who are shouting, and you know it.”
Responding to President John Mahama’s remark that prosecuting people is not enjoyable, Hosi said:
“I also disagree with Mahama that I don’t enjoy prosecuting people. I think he didn’t intend to say that. Mr President, you must enjoy prosecuting people because that is your calling. It’s not that we will harass you. The constitution enjoins and requests of you to ensure accountability and justice and to fight corruption. So it is not something you shouldn’t enjoy. You should enjoy doing your job. It is as simple as that.”
Mr Hosi called for constructive reforms to improve the efficiency of the OSP rather than actions that could undermine public confidence:
“I think that we should legitimately be discussing reforms and how to make this institution efficient and effective, not for us to be ganging up and creating unnecessary distress, and more importantly, depleting public trust.”
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